X-Message-Number: 1325 From: Subject: CRYONICS Alcor Zoning Hearing Date: Wed, 28 Oct 92 00:44:38 PDT To: Cryonet From: Carlos Mondragon > Subject: Alcor's Zoning After four long years, Alcor's zoning status in the City of Riverside has finally been resolved. In the aftermath of the Dora Kent incident, the City had told us that we were required to obtain a "conditional use permit" -- otherwise known as a zoning variance. Our application was nearing completion in 1988 when we became embroiled in litigation with the State Health Department over the very legality of cryonics itself. The City deferred consideration of the zoning matter until after our litigation with the State was resolved. Today (Oct 27) the City Council held a public hearing and made its decision. We had been somewhat apprehensive about the outcome, because the councilwoman representing our district had at a hearing last month indicated vehement opposition to our being here. After meeting with me and our lobbyist and touring our facility last week, she had a nearly complete change of heart. At today's hearing, she spoke in our favor and complimented us on "having thought of everything" in terms of the safety of our operation. The main issue of concern for Ms. Thompson and at least two other council members was the use of animals for research. "I don't care what they do to people, but I don't want any animals to be hurt", Ms. Thompson said. Others concurred. One elderly gentleman who is apparently a regular at Council hearings objected to us, as well as everything else on the day's agenda. He complained that instances such as Dora Kent might create liability for the City. (I diplomatically did not point out that the County of Riverside had paid out $120K to Alcor members in settlement of lawsuits already.) The City Attorney and I pointed out to the Council that there was no foreseeable liability to the City in allowing us to occupy our present location. So, the good news is that they voted six in favor and two opposed in favor of our conditional use permit. The bad news is that they added a condition prohibiting our use of animals for research! We now have 90 days in which to be in full compliance with all of the other conditions imposed as well. Our lobbyist pointed out to me later that there is probably a legal problem with the selective prohibition of animal research. I did tell the council that unless they have already prohibited animal research throughout the City, there is an issue of fairness involved. Once we have obtained the wording of the condition, we will study it with our attorneys and review our options. In any case, I still believe that Alcor should move to a friendlier environment as soon as possible. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1325